Astronautics Corp. of America is considering a move of its headquarters from Milwaukee's north side to Oak Creek — with that news surfacing just days after another big nearby employer announced it will move to the suburbs.

Astronautics within months will relocate its long-standing headquarters, at 4115 N. Teutonia Ave., sources familiar with those plans told the Journal Sentinel.

"They're gone," said one source. Like others, that source asked not to be identified.

Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz said he met with a representative of Astronautics around two years ago when the company was looking at potential relocation sites in Oak Creek. Bukiewicz said he's heard nothing lately about an imminent move.

Milwaukee Department of City Development officials declined to comment about Astronautics' possible relocation.

Astronautics executives have for several years considered moving away from Milwaukee's north side.

The company makes navigation systems, avionics displays and other parts for aircraft.

Astronautics has had trouble recruiting engineers because its headquarters is in a neighborhood marred by crime and older, dilapidated buildings, one source said.

Similar concerns played a role in this week's announcement that defense contractor Leonardo DRS will move its Milwaukee operations to Menomonee Falls.

That company's facility is at 4265 N 30th St., less than a mile west of the Astronautics headquarters.

In 2010, city officials thought they had a deal for Astronautics to consolidate all of its Milwaukee facilities at the redeveloping former Pabst Brewing Co. complex.

Astronautics considered the former Pabst warehouse, which fills the entire block bordered by North Eighth and North Ninth streets and West Highland and West Juneau avenues.

But that deal fell apart — reportedly because of opposition from Nathanial "Nate" Zelazo, founder of the family-owned company.